Larry Fitzgerald, former wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, has been named one of 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2026 class. This marks his first year of eligibility after last playing in the NFL during the 2020 season. Although Fitzgerald never officially announced his retirement, league rules begin a five-year waiting period based on a player’s last game appearance.
The next round of voting will reduce the list to seven candidates, with up to five ultimately selected for induction into the Hall of Fame. The final announcement is scheduled for February 5 at the NFL Honors show during Super Bowl week in San Francisco.
Fitzgerald is joined by three other first-time finalists: quarterback Drew Brees, running back Frank Gore, and tight end Jason Witten. Four players reached this stage automatically after making it to the final seven last year: tackle Willie Anderson, wide receiver Torry Holt, linebacker Luke Kuechly, and kicker Adam Vinatieri. Other finalists include guard Jahri Evans, quarterback Eli Manning, wide receiver Reggie Wayne, defensive tackle Kevin Williams, safety Darren Woodson, and offensive lineman Marshal Yanda.
Terrell Suggs is another finalist with connections to the Cardinals; he played 13 games with Arizona in 2019 as part of his lengthy career.
Fitzgerald’s career statistics include 11 Pro Bowl selections and three AP All-Pro team honors. He ranks second all-time in both receptions (1,432) and receiving yards (17,492), trailing only Jerry Rice in each category. Over his career spanning 263 games, he recorded 121 touchdowns.
According to Hall of Fame procedures, only those who receive at least 80 percent approval from the selection committee are inducted into Canton.
